Shropshire Record Office

Shropshire Record Office holds documents and records relating to the history of Shropshire, which includes the borough of Telford and Wrekin.

If put together, their records would cover more than six miles.  

Their material includes charters from the twelfth century right up to yesterday’s Shropshire Star.

Resources also include documents, books, maps, photographs, plans and drawings.

Whatever you are interested in, whether you are researching the history of a house, tracing your family history or wish to discover more about your local area, you will find a document of use.  

The records are also useful if you are researching for a school project or studying for a university degree.

Should you require assistance, the helpful and knowledgeable staff are always on hand to offer advice.

If you have any documents relating to the history of Shropshire you would like to donate to the Archive to safeguard them for future generations, they would love to hear from you.

Information about Shropshire Record Office

Collections

For information regarding their collections and other ancillary information, please visit their information resources and guides page.  It is possible to discover more about their collections from this page, which include:

• Cemetery and graveyard records
• Census returns
• Electoral registers
• Newspapers
• Parish registers
• Pedigrees of landed families in Shropshire
• Photographs
• Poor law and workhouse records
• Probate Records
• School records
• Wills

Their online catalogue covers a wide range of their Collections and includes items from the local studies library. The catalogue is constantly being updated so it is worthwhile checking again at a later date if the document is not presently in the catalogue. 

Not all of their catalogues are online at present. If you fail to find the record you are searching for you might have to contact them or visit to check the printed catalogues.

To obtain further details you will need to visit them and request a copy of the document or ask their researcher to check a document for you.

Opening Times

For information regarding their opening hours and how to obtain a readers ticket, please visit their visiting Shropshire Archives page.  

Location and Directions

The Archive is located on Castle Gates, and is near to the railway station.  To access the Office, walk up Castle Gates from the station and you will find them on the right hand side through the archway ‘Blowers Repository’.

If travelling by car, you are recommended to use the Park and Ride Services because no car park is available for visitors to the Archive.  Two car parking spaces are accessible for blue badge holders, however.

Booking

It is advisable to book a space in the Search Room in advance to avoid disappointment, but these can be booked for the whole day.  If you only wish to use microfiche readers, there is no need to book in advance.  

If you wish to consult newspapers, it is advisable to book a microfilm reader in advance.  You also have to book a computer in advance, but these can only be booked for two hours.

If you wish to visit on a Saturday, all items must be ordered in advance.

Photography and Photocopying

You are allowed to use a digital camera in the Office, but you must purchase a photography permit before taking any photographs.  Some documents cannot be photographed as doing so could cause damage to them because of their fragility.

You are also able to order digital images of documents that are taken by the Office’s in-house photographer.  A charge is made to people taking advantage of this service.

If you require a photocopy of certain resources, this can be arranged, but the photocopy must be taken by a member of Office staff.  

Some documents cannot be photocopied because of copyright restrictions and the fact that some items are in a bad condition so taking a photocopy could damage them.  All photocopies of documents are charged for.

Accessibility

All areas of Shropshire Archives are fully accessible for disabled readers.  A hearing loop is also installed.  They are able to enlarge printed books and have a hand-held video magnifier.  Their guide to sources is also available in large text.

Computers and Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi access is also available and there is no need to book to use this service.

Research Service

The Archive offers a research service for anyone unable to visit in person.  They are able to conduct family history research, house history searches and commercial searches.

Refreshments

A small coffee room is available for use by visitors.Eating establishments are available in Shrewsbury, approximately 10 minutes (½ mile) walk from the Office.

Facebook and Twitter Accounts

The Archive has a Facebook page, @ShropshireArchives, where they provide information about the Office and its collections, show images relating to Shrewsbury and Shropshire history, and respond to visitors’ queries.

They also have a Twitter Account, @ShropArchives, where they provide details of Office events, discuss family history and local history related news and provide information about the Office and its holdings.

Readers’ Tickets

Please note a Readers Ticket is required if you wish to access original documents, but Shropshire Record Office does not accept Archives Cards, so you will need to bring identification with you when you first visit, and fill in the online registration form.  

Acceptable ID has to show your name, address and signature, but you are able to show more than one document to fulfil this criteria, such as a driving licence or utility bill.